Police are increasingly concerned for the welfare of a 77-year-old man who went missing from his home in Chichester Road, Seaford, two days ago.

Richard John Wise was last seen at home at 3pm on Sunday December 29 and is thought to have disappeared between then and about 8pm.

In the meantime, the Sussex coast has been lashed by gale force winds and heavy rain, and Mr Wise is known to be without food, drink or his regular medication.

He is described as white, 6ft 2in, with grey/brown short hair.

He is believed to be wearing a blue anorak, light-coloured trousers and brown lace-up shoes.

Several possible sightings of Mr Wise have each drawn a blank and an extensive search of the local area involving more than 50 police officers and civilian volunteers has proved equally fruitless.

Inspector Stephen Tullett of Sussex Police, said: "Every effort is being made to try to find Mr Wise, spurred on by the knowledge that he is ill-prepared for the weather and is clearly vulnerable in other respects.

"I would like to renew an appeal to the public to keep their eyes open and to contact police without delay if they have any information about Mr Wise's whereabouts."

Anyone able to help should phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting Operation Eddington.